A Cork TD has expressed deep concern following revelations that Ireland has the largest primary school classes in the EU.
Sinn Féin TD for Cork South Central, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, said: “The average primary school class size here is 22.5, compared to a European average of 19. We are trailing behind our European counterparts in this respect, due to chronic under-investment in our education system.
“We know the strain that big class sizes place on teachers, in the way that you are not able to provide the best quality education to your pupils, despite your best efforts. It’s not fair on anybody.”
The Echo recently revealed that 6.6% of primary school classes in Cork have more than 30 pupils, which is above the national average.
Nationally, 1,392 classes had more than 30 pupils, or 5.8%, with 176 of these large classes being in Cork.
Mr Ó Laoghaire said: “Government talks a good game about inclusive education. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and the department have said the vast majority of children with additional needs should be educated in mainstream classes. But how can that happen effectively when we have the biggest class sizes in Europe?
“How can a teacher meaningfully differentiate their teaching and give every child the attention they need in a class with over 30 students?
“What this means in practice is that the very children who need the most tailored support —children with disabilities, learning difficulties, or trauma — are the ones falling furthest behind. Families are left feeling abandoned, teachers are overwhelmed, and children are suffering.
“We need urgent reform to bring our classroom sizes in line with European norms. That means recruiting more teachers, investing in school infrastructure, and prioritising children with additional needs, instead of sidelining them.
“This government cannot continue to speak about inclusion, while creating the conditions for exclusion.”